STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® 2025 U.S. Championships Showcase Spectacular Records and Talented Athletes

Exciting Results from the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® 2025 U.S. Championships

The STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® 2025 U.S. Championships, a thrilling testament to the sport's enduring legacy, took place recently and delivered an electrifying weekend filled with record-breaking performances and intense competition. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the event featured spectacular displays of athletic ability and precision, as top competitors showcased their skills in various timber sports disciplines.

Historic Highlights and Record Breakers

Among the standout performers were Nate Hodges and Erin LaVoie, both of whom successfully defended their national titles, setting the stage for a high-stakes competition that would leave spectators buzzing with excitement. LaVoie, competing bravely from Spokane, Washington, made history as she became the first woman to achieve back-to-back titles in the U.S. Women’s Pro Championship. Her performance was nothing short of extraordinary, featuring two record-breaking runs that would etch her name in the sport's history. She clocked an impressive time of 14.27 seconds in the Single Buck event, immediately followed by a breathtaking 22.72 seconds in the Underhand Chop, surpassing her own previous record of 23.61 seconds established in 2024.

LaVoie's hard-fought victory saw her fend off fierce competition from Kate Witkowski, who dramatically improved her standing from tenth place last year to secure the silver medal. The podium finish was a highlight of the competition, as Witkowski edged past veteran competitor Martha King by a mere point. Meanwhile, newcomer Lauren Bergman made headlines by breaking the Standing Block Chop world record in just her second year on the national circuit, achieving a stunning time of 26.36 seconds, besting Samantha Graves' previous record by nearly six seconds.

Hodges’ Incredible Comeback and Championship Victory

The U.S. Men's Pro Championship was equally riveting, starting with an intense two-day Semi-Finals round that featured 24 of the best athletes vying for a coveted spot in the finals. Reigning champion Nate Hodges from North Fork, California, showcased exceptional prowess in his heat, setting the Hot Saw world record with a breathtaking time of 4.28 seconds—significantly lower than the prior record of 4.62 seconds. This remarkable achievement further solidified Hodges's status as a leading figure in the sport.

As the championship progressed, the race remained tight, with competitors separated by mere seconds across various disciplines. Hodges returned to the finals with renewed determination, ultimately clinching his title with another speedy Hot Saw cut that registered at 4.69 seconds, narrowly outpacing runner-up Matthew Slingerland by just two-tenths of a second. This win not only represented Hodges's second consecutive national title but also underscored the extraordinary level of skill and endurance required to compete at this elite level.

Looking Forward: Team USA Takes Aim at the World Stage

With the U.S. Championships concluded, excitement builds as Hodges prepares to represent the United States at the upcoming 2025 STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Championship, scheduled for October 24–25 at the Allianz Cloud Arena in Milan, Italy. As the top athlete on the national stage, Hodges will compete as part of Team USA, joined by prominent figures such as Matthew Cogar, Mark Bouquin, and Jason Lentz. This championship promises to be a showcase of the world’s best, bringing together elite competitors for two high-stakes days of intense and high-energy contests.

As fans reflect on the exhilarating moments of the 2025 U.S. Championships, they can look forward to watching Hodges and his team on the world stage as they aim to make their mark in one of the most prestigious events of the year. The competitive spirit and record-breaking performances at the U.S. Championships truly highlighted the exceptional athletes in STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® and set the stage for future competitions.

Conclusion

With four world records set and two champions defending their titles, the 2025 U.S. Championships were an unparalleled showcase of talent and determination, further solidifying STIHL TIMBERSPORTS®'s reputation as a premier competitive sport. The sportsmanship and elite performances displayed by competitors like Erin LaVoie and Nate Hodges inspire fans and aspiring athletes alike as they look forward to an eventful year ahead.